Director of Payroll POST NUMBER: 452509

Vaco is partnering with client that was recognized on the Inc. 5000 list in both 2023 and 2024 and ranking among the top companies in their field to recruit for a Director of Payroll.

Primary Objective
Ensure accurate, timely, and compliant payroll processing for all employees by maintaining payroll records, applying company policies, and adhering to all regulatory requirements. Support HR and Finance through precise reporting, issue resolution, and protection of sensitive compensation data.

This role oversees payroll for a multi?state (48) workforce of ~8,000 employees (many part?time). The company is currently on Paycom and will convert to Dayforce in January 2026. The CFO is seeking a partner to own the payroll process — someone to manage the group, drive process improvements and change management, and serve as liaison to third?party payroll vendors.

Key Responsibilities

• Payroll Management & Leadership: Lead full payroll cycle operations for accuracy, compliance, and confidentiality. Align payroll strategy with company goals and drive process improvements and integration with financial systems.

• Timekeeping & Systems Administration: Oversee electronic timekeeping system configuration and maintenance. Monitor timecard submissions and approvals, ensure smooth data transfer to payroll systems, manage overtime and compliance with FLSA, and perform audits to resolve discrepancies.

• Cross?Functional Collaboration: Partner with HR, Finance, and Operations to integrate payroll with compensation planning, incentive programs, and talent initiatives. Reconcile payroll-related general ledger accounts and support monthly/quarterly close processes.

• Employee Support & Communication: Serve as primary contact for payroll inquiries (pay discrepancies, PTO balances, W?2s, direct deposit, tax withholdings). Communicate payroll policies and deadlines clearly to managers and staff.

• Reporting, Compliance & Auditing: Produce routine and ad hoc payroll reports for leadership and auditors. Monitor labor costs and payroll trends, maintain audit?ready records, and support internal and external audits.

• Technology & Special Projects: Manage enrollments/terminations with third?party pay platforms (e.g., Daily Pay). Lead payroll system upgrades and implementations, including testing and rollout support. Stay current on payroll law changes and best practices.

  Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Adaptable to changing environments and capable of managing multiple priorities.

• Proven leadership, mentoring, and decision?making skills.

  Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (preferred).

• Minimum 10 years of full?cycle payroll administration experience, including high?volume, multi?state payroll.

• Experience with integrated payroll/timekeeping systems required; Dayforce experience strongly preferred.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint).

• Strong analytical and problem?solving abilities; data?driven approach to process improvement.

• Excellent written and verbal communication; ability to simplify complex topics and influence cross?functional partners.

• Highly organized with strong time?management skills.

  Work Environment

  Work primarily in a corporate office environment with regular collaboration across teams and occasional client?site interaction. Position will be fully in-office.